Mackensie Alexander Scouting Report, CB, Clemson. 2016 NFL Draft

Introduction

Hometown: Immokalee, Florida

High School: Immokalee

Recruitment: 5-Star Recruit by ESPN, 4-Star recruit by Rivals

Injuries/Discipline: Nothing notable.

Awards:

2015 First-Team All-ACC

Measurables

Height: 5’11"

Weight: 195

Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Projected 40 Time: 4.35

Stats

2015: 21 Tackles, 2 for a loss, 5 passes defended

2014: 21 Tackles, 2 for a loss, 6 passes defended. 1 fumble return.

Positives

• Exceptional man cover player.
• Tremendous instincts.
• Has covered and locked down most teams #1 receiver.
• Great speed
• Good change of direction skills
• Exceptional recovery speed.
• Smooth backpedal
• Instant acceleration
• Elite closing speed
• Good anticipation
• Textbook technique in press coverage.
• Huge work ethic
• Dedication to film and preparation
• Tough and physical
• Very confident

Negatives

• Can at times be a little too aggressive.
• Tackling needs a little work.
• Needs to make more plays on the ball when the chance is there.
• He may come in a little shorter than advertised at the combine.

Conclusion

Mackensie is one confident guy, he proclaimed himself to be the countries best corner recently, saying that it wasn't even close. If you're as talented as Alexander, you can probably get away with it, but don't make the mistake of thinking he's just another brash youngster floating through college on pure physical gifts. He's exceptionally smart on the field, and he mans up against teams best receivers on a regular basis. He has an incredible work rate, and the coaches at Clemson absolutely love him. He devours playbooks and spends as much time working in the film room and in game prep as he does on his physical skills.

Last year Clemson finished the best pass D in college football, in large part due to the performance of Mackensie. QB's completed 35% of passes into his coverage and he didn't allow a touchdown in the final 9 games of 2014. He was on the field for 766 snaps in 2014 and allowed 20 completions; just consider that for a moment. His stats look mediocre at best, but after dominating in 2014, teams stayed away from Mackensie in 2015. He's a star in the making, he'll be a 1st round pick if he decides to enter the 2016 draft, and some team will fall in love with him.
He held Will Fuller, who's one of the most productive receivers in college football to just 2 receptions and 37 yards.

If I'm being honest, he's one of the finest defensive backs I've ever evaluated. He's one of my favorite prospects for 2016.

Draft Grade: 94

90-100 = Exceptional Talent
80-90 = Impact Player
70-80 = NFL Starter
60-70 = Solid NFL Potential
50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed
>50 = Undraftable, - Long Shot To Stick